Borrow and Return

Getting a Library Card

Getting a library card is easy and there is no charge. Simply present photo ID and proof of your current address. You do not need to be a Winchester resident to receive a library card, but some library services are restricted to Winchester residents only. Please visit the policies page for detailed requirements.

Beginning at at age four, children accompanied by a parent or legal guardian can receive a library card.

All activity related to your library card is confidential and we take your legally protected right to library privacy very seriously. Please see our Privacy Statement for details.

You can also get a library card online. The online card will allow you instant access to many of our online resources. You'll also be able to place holds on print materials, movies, music and more. See the online registration page for more information.

Managing Your Library Account

Your library card is associated with a Personal Identification Number (PIN) that enables you to access your account online at any time. You can see what you have checked out, renew your materials, manage requests, view your borrowing history, and pay fines even when the library is closed. If you don't know your PIN, please come to the Circulation Desk with your library card or a photo ID. PINs cannot be reset over the phone.

Loan Periods, Renewals, and Late Fees

Updated September 26, 2016.

Books, magazines, audio books, music CDs, and video games circulate for three weeks and can be renewed twice provided no one has requested the item. DVDs circulate for one week and may be renewed twice provided no one has requested the item. Speed View DVDs circulate for one week, may not be requested or renewed.

All overdue fines are $0.20 per day, for books as well as DVDs. The maximum fine for any item returned late is $5.

Museum Passes are the exception to the policy. Many Museum Passes are coupons that are not returned to the Library. Passes that must be returned should be returned before the Library opens the next day, preferably left in the book drop. Passes may never be renewed and incur a late fee of $5 per day.

Item

Loan

Renewals

Late Fee

Books

3 weeks

2 renewals

$0.20/day

Magazines

3 weeks

2 renewals

$0.20/day

Audiobooks

3 weeks

2 renewals

$0.20/day

Music CDs

3 weeks

2 renewals

$0.20/day

Video Games

3 weeks

2 renewals

$0.20/day

DVDs

1 week

2 renewals

$0.20/day

Friends Express Books

3 weeks

0 renewals

$0.20/day

Speed View DVDs

1 week

0 renewals

$0.20/day

Video on Player

1 week

2 renewals

$0.20/day

Roku/Hotspot

1 week

2 renewals

$0.20/day

Chromebooks

3 hours

0 renewals

$20/day

Returns

You may return any Minuteman item to the Winchester Public Library and conversely, any Winchester item to other Minuteman libraries. Please be aware that the fine structure of the library from which you originally borrowed your materials will apply no matter where the items are returned.

Book Drops in the parking lot are available 24/7 for the return of all library materials.

Renewals

Most library items are renewable as long as no one else has requested the item. You can renew items online by logging into your account with your library card number and PIN. Items can also be renewed at the Circulation Desk or by calling 781-721-7171.

Reserves and Requests

If you want an item that is currently checked out or only available at another Minuteman Library, you may use the library catalog to place a reserve yourself, using your library card number and PIN. You can do this on any computer in the Library and from home over the Internet. You can also call the Reference staff and ask that a hold be placed for you: 781-721-7171 x320 for Adult Services; x326 for the Children's Department. You may also call ahead to reserve an available item. Reserved items will be held at the Circulation Desk for you to pick up.

Lost Materials

You will be assessed the replacement price listed in the item record for lost or seriously damaged material, or when the items are missing parts or artwork.

Lost Library Cards

You are responsible for all materials taken out on your card until the date when you report the card lost. Please tell us immediately if your card is lost. You must have identification to receive a replacement card. There is no charge to replace a lost library card.

Library Guides For Non-English Speakers

Our "Welcome to the Library" guide is available in English, Chinese, Russian, and Spanish. Applications for library cards are also available in these languages.